critical theory theory

Running Head : CONFLICT THEORY

Conflict Theory (Name (University (Professor (Course

Conflict Theory

Sociology deals with the aspects of human behavior and how people interact with each other . The heart of sociology lies in the sociological perspective , a point that made it distinct from others Berger , in his invitation to sociology , described the perspectives as the ability to perceive the general from the particular (Peter Berger 1963 . This means that sociologists must be able to identify patterns in the behavior of a particular people . Society acts dissimilarly on different kinds of

people . By this , we may begin to realize how the general categories of our society shape the particular aspects of our lives . The sociological perspectives also attend to the matter of seeing the strange in the familiar . This does not mean that sociology must focus on the strange elements of the society , but it is a matter of giving up the traditional idea that sociology is a matter of what people decide to do , thus in favor of the strange notion that society has a hand in shaping our lives

The functionalist , conflict and symbolic interaction perspectives can help us explain the power of society- how it shapes our thoughts feelings and actions . Though perspectives serve us many functions , it is best to be critical and make rational choice in clinging with these perspectives because it may make us greater power over our lives

For this coursework , one sociological perspective-critical theory will be highlighted in the format of the conflict paradigm . The general assumption of critical theory is that the society is characterized by domination and exploitation . The society according to conflict theory is characterized by intrinsic social inequality . Unlike interpretive theory , it looks at the society in a macro perspective . This is the broader focus in the social context which shapes the society as a whole .Conflict theory focused on the role played by power and coercion . Power here is defined as the person 's ability to exercise control or influence over other this person . This is a relational concept . Another basic assumption of the conflict theory is that the organization or the society functions in a way that the individual or the groups under the specific social context struggle in to make the most of their benefits . This in turn contributed to social change , likewise revolution or change in politics

This theory is most applicable in explaining the conflict between social classes . For example , this best defines the conflict which the proletariat and bourgeoisie as well as the conflict in ideologies of the socialism and the capitalism . This theory continued to struggle its existence in almost all aspects of the society . But this struggle does not always require violence . It can be also favorable in the sense that the underlying struggle of a certain group or of an individual in a given society will tend to maximize their own benefits

Karl Marx first founded this theory and later Max Weber developed his assumptions . Karl Marx radical assumptions...